While buying sandwiches from a local deli, I was directed by the cashier to follow these instructions carefully. Was my signature too messy? I think of it as "full of character." Apparently, more character than the deli clerk and her fortress of education cared to tackle.

I was asked to "please print legibly". Instead, I reached for my phone and snapped this photo. Judging by the strange look on her face, the appreciation for the counter (and the delicious irony inscribed upon) was all mine. =)

This photo is a good look at what good an extra 5 minutes to proof-read will do for anyone presenting themselves publicly - especially business owners. Good spelling and grammar is a mark of professionalism and polish. Spelling "legible" incorrectly is a little mistake with a huge dose of irony; and thus reflects poorly upon the proprietor. The point of the sign is a legitimate one, but the execution is lazy. As a writing tutor for the university, I see a lot of this sort of thing. Good ideas dressed in bad mechanics. Generally we focus on content rather than the technical aspects, but this is such a good example of the need to proof-read. In this case, I couldn't resist playing the part of a Grammar Nazi (or, for the uninitiated, someone who is a stickler for spelling)